About This Dive Site
Two Jack Lake reservoir in Banff National Park is one of two permitted scuba locations alongside Lake Minnewanka. At similar 1400-meter altitude, it features shallower dives from 6-15 meters (20-49 feet) with no significant currents, ideal for skill-building in cold Canadian Rockies waters. Visibility varies seasonally, often 5-10 meters, with rocky bottoms and potential aquatic life. Parks Canada restricts diving here to protect sensitive ecosystems; access from shore or small boats at designated areas near the campground.
Safety Considerations
Mandatory AIS protocol: clean, drain, dry scuba gear 48 hours post-use in Alberta waters, secure certification and permit (Parks Canada). Altitude demands adjusted dive tables; monitor nitrogen loading closely per DAN guidelines. Expect 4-8°C (39-46°F) water; hypothermia sets in quickly without proper insulation. Shore entries reduce boat risk but watch for wind-driven chop. Buddy system essential; maintain 3-meter separation in low viz. Alberta Underwater Council stresses dive flags for all entries. Certified divers only; intermediate open water with drysuit specialty advised (REI courses). Depths suit no-deco limits but plan conservatively for cold-induced air consumption.
Essential Gear
7mm wetsuit or drysuit (Bare or Henderson), dive computer with altitude algorithm (Suunto Zoop Novo), single or stage tanks (steel preferred), SMB, flag, fins for shore entry (Mares Avanti), gloves, hood, weights (adjust +2-4 lbs for neoprene), emergency oxygen kit, whistle, and Leave No Trace cleaning tools for AIS compliance.